Shingon Refractions: Myoe and the Mantra of Light

Shingon Buddhism arose in the eighth century and remains one of Japan's most important sects, at present numbering some 12 million adherents. As such it is long overdue appropriate coverage. Here, the well-respected Mark Unno illuminates the tantric practice of the Mantra of Light, the most central of Shingon practices, complete with translations and an in-depth exploration of the scholar-monk Myoe Koben, the Mantra of Light's foremost proponent. "Unno’s Shingon Refractions is an excellent and very accessible introduction to one of the most important practices of East Asian Esoteric Buddhism, and its most important practitioner, Myōe Kōben.” —RICHARD K. PAYNE, dean of the Institute of Buddhist Studies at the Graduate Theological Union “Mark Unno’s Shingon Refractions is that rare thing—a work of sound scholarship that is simultaneously creative and full of wonder and light. It is to be studied, savored, and treasured. I highly recommend it. —ROBERT A.F. THURMAN, author of Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within “An important contribution to understanding Japanese Buddhism.” —PROFESSOR PAUL INGRAM, former president of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies. About the Author Mark Unno teaches East Asian religions at the University of Oregon. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Religious Ethics and the advisory board of Buddhist-Christian Studies. He has been the featured speaker at numerous conferences and academic venues on Asian Buddhism, Comparative Religion, Buddhism and Psychotherapy, and Buddhism in America. He lives in Eugene, Oregon